BBC legend finishes last ever show after 26 years in emotional farewell

Mishal Husain has said farewell to her listeners for the final time as she presented her final show on Radio 4. The broadcaster first joined the BBC in 1998 and has presented the Today programme for 11 years.

She enjoyed an emotional send off as former colleagues joined her in the studio to played some of her career highlights as the BBC paid tribute to their star presenter, once described by The Telegraph as 'The Today programme's interrogator in chief'

Her final on air words were hearTfelt as she addressed her listeners. "The moment is now upon me, time to say farewell to this programme and the BBC. In my time here, I have found more in me than I knew was there and I journey on to discover what might lie within.

"In the tradition of my faith when people used to go on pilgrimage in generations past, they would not only take their leave of friends and associates, but they would ask for their forgiveness because in those days, many didn't return from the arduous journey. I hope therefore you might forgive me for the times I crashed the pips, squeezed the weather, any other dastardly deeds.

"My heartfelt thanks go to all my BBC colleagues across the UK and around the world and to you, wherever you are listening from, for your time and your trust. On this last morning, I have been allowed music and I am going to leave you with my choice."

Following her touching speech she played The Monkees' Daydream Believer and then signed off with: "From me, good morning and goodbye."

Amongst those joining her for her final show was former Today host John Humphrys who quizzed her about her decision to leave. "Can I ask a difficult question? Did you want to go?" he enquired.

In reply she quipped: "This is when I now regret saying 'Wouldn't it be nice to invite John back?' I think it was time for me to do something else. I know all of you did the programme for longer, but I think when we do new things we grow and develop.

"I'm a much better journalist than I was 11 years ago. This programme with all its pressures and the scrutiny, it's an immense responsibility to be on here and a privilege as well. From all those times, you grow and develop and I know I'll miss it."

However, John was determined not to let her side step the question and interjected: "You know perfectly well you wouldn't have got away with that answer if you had asked yourself the question.

"The question was 'Did you want to go?' Because you know what everyone is saying out there, which is that the bosses made..."

Despite his persistence the topic was quickly changed and the conversation moved on.

Husain, 51, is the latest star to depart the show after Irish star Martha Kearney stepped down during the summer.